Ronald "Ron" Gillis

Ronald "Ron" Allan Gillis, 67, of La Grande, OR went to heaven on Friday, September 13th, 2019 after losing his courageous battle with cancer; he passed over peacefully with his loving family by his side. A Celebration of Life and potluck reception will be held at the Lighthouse Church in La Grande, Setember 21, 2019 at 3:30 p.m.  

Ron was born April 21st 1952 to Everette “Gene” and Norma Gillis. He spent his childhood in La Grande enjoying the beauty of the valley and surrounding mountains. In 1975 at the age of 23, he lost his legs in a wood chipper, while working at a saw mill in Long Creek, OR.  Ron was never truly handicapped and never let his disability define who he was. After his accident he continued to hunt and fish with the best of them. In 1981 he moved to Richland, OR. just so he could fish every day on the Snake River.

In 1982 he met and married Laurel Anne Reagan-Gillis and her 3 daughters Jenny, Mandy and Christi. From that moment on he was their dad teaching them to love the outdoors, hunting, camping and fishing. Ron and Laurel’s fourth daughter Heather was born in 1983 and they lovingly raised their family in Richland, OR nestled in beautiful Eagle Valley for 38 wonderful years.

Over these years, their girls provided them with 4 wonderful sons-in-law and 7 beautiful grandchildren. Their oldest grandchild Hillary then gave them a grandson-in-law and 2 great-grandchildren. All of which, were the “apple of his eye”.

Ron was an amazing father and grandpa. He loved his children and grandchildren with his whole heart and was there for whatever they needed. He loved spending time with his family either in the outdoors, playing cards, or swimming with the kids. He documented all of his grandkids’ milestones on countless hours of videotape, memories that they will always cherish. Aside from the outdoors and family, Ron was a big history buff. He enjoyed politics, Fox News and Football. All of his interests led him to develop many strong friendships. He left a lasting impression on anyone who knew him throughout the years.

He is survived by his loving wife Laurel Anne Reagan-Gillis; their four daughters Jennifer Campbell (daughter Hillary and her husband Avry Whitesides and their 2 children Cooper and Arya: Mandy Morrison (husband Edison Morrison and their 2 boys Austin Graves and Brayden Morrison): Christi Edwards (husband Eddie Edwards and their 2 boys Michael and Matthew Edwards): Heather Farley ( Husband Joseph Farley and their 2 boys Tayler and Brock Farley); Ron's mother Norma Gillis; brother Bob Gillis (his wife Peggy Gillis); sisters Carline Beck and Jody Siderius and many nieces and nephews. 

 He was preceded in death by his “Pap”, Gene Gillis, his niece Danielle Gillis and his puppies Lizzy and Casey.

Our Dad Ron is so dearly loved and will be greatly missed. We’ll never know a stronger man that cared so deeply and gave so much. Though we are left with a huge void, his brave fight has ended and we take solace in knowing he is no longer in pain and will be with us again one day.   

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Ron we request Heart n' Home Hospice (Opal Foundation) who gave us so much help, comfort and support these last few months through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com